Original 1940 Dated 1940 Cavalry Pattern Ammunition Pouches

A scarce matching pair of 'Carriers, cartridge, W.E. cavalry Patt. '40, 45 rounds' which are clearly dated 1940. 

These pouches form part of the 1940 pattern cavalry webbing equipment which was produced in limited quantity at the beginning of the Second World War. The newly formed 1st Cavalry Division was to be sent to Palestine in 1940 and it was decided they should have their own specific cavalry webbing suited to being on horseback. This was designed by Mill's Equipment Company's Chief Designer, Albert Lethern.

The pouches are made from the standard double warp thread used for most webbing equipment produced for the British military during the first half of the 20th Century. The pouches are a mirror image of each other and would be joined via a belt section in the same way as 1919 and 1925 pattern webbing was designed. Each pouch features three pockets into which three rifle clips can be fitted giving a combined 90 rounds of ammunition if the pouches are worn as a pair. 

The underside of the flap bears the maker's stamp of 'MECo' along with the 1940 date and the War Department broad arrow. 

The pouches are in excellent condition with no previous signs of wear or use. They display very well and have a clean, fresh appearance. Please study the pictures before purchasing and bear in mind that this is a vintage item which may have some small flaws commensurate with age. 
 

A scarce pair of WW2 British webbing pouches which are in excellent condition.